All Blacks Crush Wallabies In Bledisloe Opener

AAP

The All Blacks piled on five second-half tries to crush the Wallabies in the Sydney opener.

What you need to know

The All Blacks have taken the lead in the Bledisloe Cup with a 38-13 victory over the Wallabies

After an almost scoreless first half, the visitors piled on five tries in the second

The Aussies must win in Auckland when they meet again next Saturday

The All Blacks have once again put the Wallabies to the sword to draw first blood in the 2018 Bledisloe Cup series with a crushing 38-13 victory at ANZ Stadium.

Five All Blacks second-half tries stunned the Wallabies, who now face the daunting prospect of needing to win in Auckland next Saturday for the first time since 1986 to prevent the trophy staying in New Zealand for a 16th straight year.

Compounding Australia's pain was a leg injury to superstar fullback Israel Folau, who cut a dejected figure as he hobbled off after 65 minutes after landing awkwardly from an aerial challenge.

The Wallabies suffered a setback even before the kick-off, with powerhouse prop Taniela Tupou ruled out after straining his hamstring during Friday's captain's run, replaced by uncapped Melbourne Rebel Jermaine Ainsley.

The All Blacks suffered their own first-half blow, with centre Ryan Crotty concussed in the 13th minute after clashing heads with teammate Beauden Barrett.

Australia's set piece looked shaky early, with the Wallabies losing their first two lineouts and collapsing the opening scrum of the night.

Source: Getty Images

But after steadying, the Wallabies dominated much of the first half through stern defence, with penalty goals from Reece Hodge and Bernard Foley earning the hosts a well-deserved 6-0 lead.

The Wallabies were 90 seconds away from keeping the All Blacks scoreless in the opening half of Test for the first time since the 1991 World Cup semi-final before halfback Aaron Smith crossed just before the interval.